Jason Bateman to Make Directorial Debut With BAD WORDS

Variety reports that Jason Bateman is set to make his directorial debut for the film BAD WORDS, an indie comedy that will be produced by Bateman's Aggregate Films and Darko Entertainment. Tyro's Andrew Dodge penned the screenplay.

Bateman will likely star in the film as the lead character, described as "a bitter thirtysomething who uses a loophole in the system to enter a national kids' spelling bee."

The actor's first directing job was on the NBC series "Valerie's Family", in which he also starred. He later directed episodes of "Arrested Development" and "Family Matters." He will soon return as Michael Bluth in the upcoming revived series and movie of Arrested Development, beginning in 2013. He was recently cast in Adam Shankman's 'This Is Where I Leave You' opposite Zac Efron.

Bateman's TV credits include It's Your Move, and The Hogan Family. He portrayed Michael Bluth on Arrested Development, for which he won a TV Land Award, a Golden Globe, and two Satellite Awards. His film credits include The Kingdom, Juno, Hancock, Up in the Air, Paul, and Horrible Bosses.